Most gallant heavyweight title losing fight?

Tough Choice.

I agree that Holyfield was overmatched physically by a younger, prime Riddick Bowe who beat the hell out of him for a good portion of their match. He came back to shake Bowe just when you thought he was through. If I had to choose it would be the Real Deal.

 

I'd go with Holyfield too.

 

Not very well recognized, and not the best, but James Braddock going out on his shield against Joe Louis ( I think Braddock scored a flash knockdown on Louis too).

 

I'm going with Braddock against Louis. He took the fight to Louis and went down fighting. Gave it every last drop of what he had.

 

Definitely Norton for me. That 15th round may have been the best in heavyweight history.

 

I think Floyd Patterson being knocked down 7 times in the 3rd round by Johansson and still being stopped on his feet takes some beating.

 

Only flaw I see in Holy is his tendencie to brawl. That aside I think he was as close to perfect as ive seen at heavy. Good jab that he would double/triple throw, parried punches, respectable power, every punch in the book, chin, toughness and heart as big as ive ever seen. Also a combination puncher. Truly great fighter. Wouldve done really well in the 70's

 

Holyfield for me. The little guy was excellent ! Tough call out those 3 fergy!

 

I'd add Sullivan vs Corbett. John L hadn't fought in 4.5 years and was out of shape yet still stayed in there for 21 rounds against a prime Corbett.

Fits vs Jeffries as well. The older warrior going 11 rounds with the younger, and bigger challenger. Then went on to give him check in the rematch in another gallant effort. Kind of like Holy vs Bowe expect Holy wasn't stopped and managed to win his rematch.

 

Surprised no one mentioned carnera with all the threads about him. His heart was bigger than his height.

Out of these 3 choices probably gonna go with holyfield.